Iowa State

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Power Systems Optimization and Control

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Power Systems Optimization and Control

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University is offering one immediate postdoc research associate position. The selected candidate will be actively involved in projects on optimization, data analytics, and control in power distribution systems. The selected candidate will work very closely with partners from utility companies and national labs, and use real utility data and models to address practical problems.

Required Minimum Qualifications (for temps/postdocs only, delete for all other positions):
PhD in Electrical Engineering.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience and documented research achievements in power distribution systems, optimization, data analytics, and/or control systems
  • Evidence of an outstanding academic track record with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to contribute to complex research projects requiring creativity, initiative, and independent thinking
  • Strong English communication skills, with the ability to contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and technical presentations for peer‑reviewed journals and international conferences

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and cyber security engineering fields. Students get to interact with our departments’ diverse student body and faculty, and obtain practical experience to prepare them for exciting careers where they can make a difference in people’s lives. Research in our department focuses on five high-impact interdisciplinary areas: bioengineering, cyber infrastructure, distributed sensing and decision making, energy infrastructure, and small-scale technologies.

Department Unit/Website (if applicable):
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering – College of Engineering, Iowa State University

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:

September 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

April 22, 2026

Posting Close Date:

April 29, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19050

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.